Tetanolysin

Tetanolysin is a hemolysin produced by Clostridium tetani, the bacterium responsible for tetanus. It is one of two major toxins produced by C. tetani, the other being tetanospasmin, which causes the characteristic muscle stiffness and spasms of tetanus.

Structure and Function

Tetanolysin is a pore-forming toxin, meaning it creates holes in the cell membranes of its target cells, leading to cell death. It is an oxygen-labile hemolysin, meaning it is inactivated by oxygen. This is why C. tetani and its toxins are typically found in deep, anaerobic (oxygen-free) wounds.

Role in Disease

While tetanolysin is a potent toxin, its role in the disease process of tetanus is not well understood. It is thought to help C. tetani establish an infection by damaging tissues and cells at the site of the wound, but it does not appear to contribute significantly to the systemic symptoms of tetanus.

See Also

• Tetanospasmin
• Clostridium tetani
• Tetanus

References

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